A recent study involving nearly 2,000 former NFL players has shed light on the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in this population. CTE is a condition linked to repeated head trauma that can only be definitively diagnosed through a post-mortem examination of the brain. According to the study, approximately one-third of former NFL players believe they have CTE, with these individuals reporting higher rates of cognitive symptoms, treatable conditions that mimic CTE, and increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital caution that all neurocognitive symptoms need to be taken seriously by clinicians, as these symptoms may arise from various causes unrelated to CTE. They emphasize the importance of identifying and treating conditions that may present similar symptoms to reduce the risk of players attributing their symptoms to CTE prematurely, which could lead to feelings of hopelessness and self-harm.
The study also found that players who believed they had CTE reported more cognitive problems, low testosterone levels, depression, headaches, and chronic pain compared to those who did not have concerns about CTE. However, the researchers highlight that these conditions have been shown to cause cognitive problems even in individuals without head injuries, suggesting that these symptoms could be independent of CTE.
While the perception of CTE among former NFL players is concerning, the study underscores the need to address treatable conditions that may contribute to neurocognitive symptoms. By focusing on identifying and treating these conditions, clinicians may be able to alleviate symptoms and improve the overall well-being of players. The researchers stress the importance of not prematurely attributing symptoms to CTE, as this could have devastating consequences for players and their families.